$143 million — Projected need to pay for Iowa’s privatized Medicaid program in 2019. It’s money that will go mostly to improve services through the managed care companies that oversee the program. Lawmakers are expected to approve the money within weeks of returning to the Capitol.

9 — Votes separating candidates in a contested House race in northeast Iowa. The Legislature must tackle the issue when they return to the Capitol. Republican Rep. Michael Bergan leads Democrat Kayla Koether, who has formally challenged the election over rejected ballots. The law is a little vague on the specifics of what happens next, but a committee will be appointed to review the issue.

53 — Pre-filed bills as of Jan. 10. The measures are proposed legislation on behalf of multiple state agencies. Lawmakers will soon start filing dozens of bills individually.

2 — Inaugural balls Gov. Kim Reynolds will hold on Jan. 18 after she’s sworn in for a four-year term. Reynolds’ staff says the additional event was added because of "overwhelming demand."

1 — Women in Iowa history who have been elected as governor. Reynolds, who became governor in May 2017 after her predecessor stepped down before his term was up, won a full term in November. The next four years belong to her.

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